New to the Texas coast or just new to Matagorda? This guide covers when to target popular species, where beginners can fish (surf, jetties, and bay), simple rigs that work, and where to check tides and regulations before you go.
Quick Facts
- License: A Texas fishing license with a saltwater endorsement is required to fish coastal waters. Always confirm current rules in the Outdoor Annual.
- Free Fishing Day: The first Saturday each June lets everyone fish public waters without a license—regulations like size & bag limits still apply.
- Know before you go: Check local tide predictions and the marine forecast for the Freeport–Matagorda zone.
- Beginner-friendly spot: Jetty Park at the end of FM 2031 has paved parking, restrooms and covered picnic tables with easy access to the beach and jetties.
Seasonal Targets (Quick Guide)
- Spring (Mar–May): Speckled trout over grass and shell on warm afternoons; redfish along marsh drains and shorelines; sheepshead and black drum around structure and jetties.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Green-water surf mornings for trout and Spanish mackerel; jetty edges for redfish and mackerel; drifting East Bay shell for trout.
- Fall (Sep–Nov): Bull red run at the jetties and surf on moving tides; schooling trout over shell and along guts. Note: watch for any southern flounder seasonal closures.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Sunny afternoons over mud & shell for bigger trout; deep channels and ICW edges for black drum and redfish.
Where to Fish (Beginner Options)
- Surf: Park at the public beach access, walk to firm sand, and target first and second guts at sunrise with topwaters, spoons, or live shrimp under a popping cork.
- Jetties: The paved walkway is great for beginners. Fish eddies and tide seams with live shrimp, soft plastics, or spoons; use grippy shoes and a long-handled net.
- East Matagorda Bay: Drift or wade shell reefs and shorelines; focus on moving water and bait activity. Keep casts downwind and fan the area.
Simple Rigs That Work
- Popping cork + live shrimp on 20–25 lb leader for trout/redfish along shorelines, guts, and jetty edges.
- Soft plastic paddle-tail on 1/8–1/4 oz jighead for drifting shell or working current seams.
- Gold spoon (1/4–1/2 oz) for redfish on windward shorelines or calm surf.
- Topwater plug at first light on slicks, bait flips, or nervous water.
Tides, Weather & Safety
- Tides: Plan around moving water. Check today’s tide predictions near the Matagorda Ship Channel/Entrance.
- Marine forecast: Review wind and wave forecasts for the Freeport–Matagorda zone before launching or wading.
- Jetty & surf safety: Wear grippy footwear; don’t climb wet rocks; keep kids on paved areas; never swim near the jetties.
- Beach rules: See Matagorda Beach 101 for permits, speed limits, and no-glass rules.
Gear Checklist
- 7′ medium or medium-light rod + 2500–3000 size reel (10–15 lb braid)
- Leader spool (20–25 lb fluoro), jigheads, soft plastics, spoons, topwaters
- Cast net or bait bucket if using live bait
- Net with long handle, pliers, stringer, fish grips
- Wading boots or rock-friendly shoes, PFD for kids and non-swimmers
- Tide app + marine forecast bookmarked on your phone
Make Harbor View Your Fishing Base
After a day on the water, unwind with a pool, showers, and strong Wi‑Fi. Book Harbor View RV Resort—minutes from the jetties, surf, and bay.
